One of the most basic fitness tips people learn when they begin
working out is that stretch exercises are extremely important.
Stretching regularly helps lengthen muscles and makes exercising
much easier. Everyone, no matter how old or inflexible they may
be, can learn a basic stretching routine. The stretching
tips below will make a stretching program more
effective.
Tip
1: A good warm up is an important part of any exercise routine.
Blood circulation increases and muscles are prepared for the
upcoming training. One of the most important stretching tips is
to include stretching in the warm up routine. Stretching
regularly reduces muscle tension, increases the range of
movement for joints, improves blood circulation to the body
(which subsequently increases energy levels), and enhances
muscle coordination. Increased range of movement for limbs and
joints helps prevent injury.
Tip 2: When doing strength training, incorporate stretch
exercises between sets. This not only feels good, it reduces the
amount of stretching needed at the end of a workout. Simple
stretches can be done while on the computer, watching
television, and even preparing for bed.
Tip 3: Doing stretch exercises after a workout aids in recovery,
decreases muscle soreness, and ensures that tendons and muscles
are working properly. This is one of the stretching tips
that contributes to continued exercise. The more conditioned the
tendons and muscles, the better they are able to handle stress
and strain placed on them through exercise and sports and the
less likely they are to sustain injury.
Tip 4: In addition to being one of the common fitness tips, a
stretching routine comes naturally to most people. Anyone who
has sat in a certain position for a prolonged period tends to
unconsciously do stretch exercises because these feel good.
Tip 5: Making stretching routine results in large gains in joint
movement and flexibility. This is one of the stretching tips
that anyone who has been exercising for many years can attest to
wholeheartedly. By doing stretch exercises, people are able to
achieve a level of flexibility they did not have, even in their
younger years.
Tip 6: A popular stretching tips acronym is FITT: Frequency,
Intensity, Time, and Type. Daily stretching of the major muscle
groups is recommended. At a minimum, stretching should take
place before each exercise session. Each stretch should be
performed slowly and in a controlled fashion, without any
bouncing, until it feels mildly uncomfortable. Do not force a
stretch or stretch to the point of pain. About ten to 15 minutes
of stretching per day is recommended, with each stretch being
held for 15 to 30 seconds and repeated once or twice.
Several types of activity count as stretching, including static
stretch exercises that hold muscles at the greatest length for a
maximum of 30 seconds. A PBF stretching routine maximally
contracts a muscle and immediately follows this with a static
stretch on the same muscle. Dynamic, active, and passive stretch
exercises can also be incorporated. Following these
stretching tips allows everyone to get the most from a
stretching routine.
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